Data Science Math Preparation - Distance Calculus Information from Distance Calculus
Data Science can best be described as a "a cross between a programmer and a mathematician/statistician".
This topic has many names, all being equivalent:
If you wish to become a Data Scientist, you will need to develop both strong programming skills, and have a very strong mathematics background.
Distance Calculus @ Roger Williams University can help prepare you for a study of Data Science - either for a degree in Data Science or perhaps a certificate - by helping you complete the core mathematics courses necessary for starting a Data Science degree or certificate.
There are no short-cuts you can do with going into Data Science. You just can't learn Python and then pretend you are a Data Scientist because you watch a few videos on running data sets through Python! You NEED a very strong mathematics background that includes ALL of the following courses:
This topic has many names, all being equivalent:
- Data Science
- Applied Statistics
- Programmer+Mathematician
- Big Data
If you wish to become a Data Scientist, you will need to develop both strong programming skills, and have a very strong mathematics background.
Distance Calculus @ Roger Williams University can help prepare you for a study of Data Science - either for a degree in Data Science or perhaps a certificate - by helping you complete the core mathematics courses necessary for starting a Data Science degree or certificate.
There are no short-cuts you can do with going into Data Science. You just can't learn Python and then pretend you are a Data Scientist because you watch a few videos on running data sets through Python! You NEED a very strong mathematics background that includes ALL of the following courses:
- DMAT 253 - Calculus I - 4 credits
- DMAT 263 - Calculus II - 4 credits
- DMAT 355 - Multivariable Calculus - 4 credits
- DMAT 321 - Differential Equations - 3 credits
- DMAT 335 - Linear Algebra - 3 credits
- DMAT 311 - Probability Theory - 3 credits
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Distance Calculus - Student Reviews
Posted: Apr 5, 2020
Courses Completed: Calculus I
Calculus I from Distance Calculus was wonderful! I took AB Calculus in high school, but I didn't take the AP Calc exam. Instead I took Calculus I with Distance Calculus, and it was so much better! It was a little review of topics, but not really. I really understood calculus when I finished!
Transferred Credits To: University of Chicago
Posted: May 7, 2025
Courses Completed: Multivariable Calculus, Differential Equations, Linear Algebra, Probability Theory
I've taken Multivariable Calculus, Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, and Probability Theory through Distance Calculus. All four courses were awesome. Dr. Curtis and the TA's were very responsive and helpful.
The biggest advantage of these courses, compared to taking a traditional course, is that in addition to the theory, I was forced to also think computationally. I have become quite adept at using LiveMath and Mathematica for doing calculations and plots.
All of the courses were accepted for credit transfer (Johns Hopkins University)
The biggest advantage of these courses, compared to taking a traditional course, is that in addition to the theory, I was forced to also think computationally. I have become quite adept at using LiveMath and Mathematica for doing calculations and plots.
All of the courses were accepted for credit transfer (Johns Hopkins University)
Email: chrismillermd@me.com
Transferred Credits To: Johns Hopkins University
Posted: Jul 22, 2021
Courses Completed: Linear Algebra
This was a great course. Flexible and informative with a great professor. It's a great option if you need to fill a prerequisite fast or if you enjoy working at your own pace.
Transferred Credits To: University of Virginia
Posted: Feb 8, 2026
Courses Completed: Precalculus, Calculus I
The courses were excellent. Very flexible and engaging and the platform offers a lot of upper-level courses. Dr. Curtis is an outstanding professor and very responsive. I would take again.
Transferred Credits To: None yet
Posted: Jan 28, 2026
Courses Completed: Calculus I
After two failed attempts at my university, this course helped me understand Calculus. The live maths tool along with Dr. Curtis were especially helpful, allowing me to visualize concepts and expand my understanding. The explanations were clear, the examples practical, and I could learn at my own pace, which built my confidence. Thank you.
Transferred Credits To: University of Namibia
Posted: Dec 18, 2025
Courses Completed: Differential Equations
Transferred Credits To: Saint Joseph High School
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